This week is going to be a scorcher! Duck inside for air-conditioned free bowling and dollar movies, or cool off with sprinkler fun in the park. You'll find lots of options on this week's free family fun list.
Monday, July 22
Firefighter Story Time Learn about fire safety as Seattle firefighters read books and display some of their firefighting equipment. 11 to 11:30 a.m. Lake City Branch Library, North Seattle.
Tuesday, July 23
Recess Monkey Concert The Kirkland Kids Concert Series welcomes kindie-rock band Recess Monkey to the stage today. 10 to 11 a.m. Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland.
“A Beautiful Day in our Neighborhood”: Songs Inspired by the Community Learn about an influential person in your community, then co-create a song about them with teaching artists from STYLE: Songwriting Through Youth Literature Education. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Delridge Branch Library, West Seattle.
Wednesday, July 24
Free bowling and cheap movies Keep your kids busy, entertained — and air-conditioned! — with free bowling all summer and $1 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Various times and locations; here are the details.
Open Play Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is a space that celebrates all needs and abilities. Drop by today for Open Play, which features hands-on activities. 2 to 6 p.m., Seattle Children’s PlayGarden (Central District).
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Thursday, July 25
Sprinkler Park Cool off with a variety of sprinklers set up for summer fun in the park. Noon to 3 p.m. on Thursdays through Aug. 22. Lee Johnson Field, Kirkland.
Animal Hats Join Guatemalan artists Jose Orantes to learn animal facts and make your own animal hat to take home. 1:30 to 3 p.m. South Park Branch Library, South Seattle.
ASL-Interpreted Story Time Meet at the farmer’s market for an American Sign Language-interpreted story time with the local children’s librarian. 4:30 to 5 p.m., Lake City Farmer’s Market, North Seattle.
Friday, July 26
BAM KIDSfair The Bellevue Arts Museum has a fun weekend planned for kids. Do hands-on art projects and play games and other activities in the galleries. You could build a toy car, collage a mask and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday. Bellevue Arts Museum, Downtown Bellevue.
Movie Night: Clash Encounters of Bears and Wolves At this documentary movie night, learn about Yellowstone National Park and the animals who fight to survive there. Popcorn provided. Free, but pre-registration is required; call 425-452-2565. 5 to 6 p.m. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue.
World Music Series Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy a family dinner in the park while you listen to Japanese-American singer/songwriter Emi Meyer. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Volunteer Park Amphitheater, Seattle (Capitol Hill).
Saturday, July 27
South End Heritage Festival Celebrate the heritage, traditions, and cultures that form South Seattle’s vibrant and talented community. There will be live music, food, arts and a block party in the streets. Noon to 10 p.m. Community Arts Create, Rainier Ave S., Seattle (Hillman City).
Anada Farm Lavender Festival Learn how to distill lavender, make your own lavender wand or lavender honey, tour the farm and meet farm animals. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anada Farm, Camano Island.
Torchlight Parade and Fan Fest Gather at the Seattle Center before the Torchlight Parade for FanFest, where you can get an up-close view of the floats, marching bands and horses. Free to attend; fee for reserved seating. FanFest is from noon to 6 p.m., and the Torchlight Parade begins at 7:30 p.m., Seattle Center.
Shakespeare in the Park See live Shakespeare plays performed by Greenstage throughout the summer at various parks around the city. Today it’s a “Henry IV” (3 p.m.) and “Taming of the Shrew” (7 p.m.) double feature. Lower Woodland Park, Seattle (Phinney Ridge).
Nighttime Nature Walk The night owls in your family can look for and learn about bats and beavers at this walk for all ages. Start on the sidewalk trail next to the Magnuson Boat Launch, which is just off Lake Shore Drive. 8:30 to 10 p.m. Magnsuon Children’s Garden, Seattle.
Sunday, July 28
Junior World Softball Series Teams from around the world compete in the weeklong Junior League Softball World Series Championship, which opens today. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Everest Park, Kirkland.
Sunday Public Sail It should be a beautiful day to take a free boat ride around Lake Union. Sign up in person for one of the timed voyages throughout the day. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Center for Wooden Boats, Seattle (Lake Union).
Aquafest Everything’s free at this family fun fest! Scramble to find pennies in the hay, bounce on inflatables, decorate cupcakes, make a bookmark and sign-up for a pizza-eating contest. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Cove Park, Lake Stevens.
